Nominations for Standard Setting Committees for the Stanford English Language Proficiency Tests and the Standards of Learning Plain English Mathematics Tests

The Division of
Assessment and Reporting is seeking nominations for membership on the Standard
Setting Committees for the Stanford English Language Proficiency (SELP) tests
(Levels 3-5 and 6-8) and Standards of Learning Plain English Mathematics
tests (Grades 3, 5, and 8).Approximately
15-20 educators will be selected for each of the five committees. These committees
will make recommendations regarding the two cut scores for each content
area/grade level test by identifying (1) a range of scores that students must
attain for proficient level and (2) a range of scores that students must
attain for advanced level. School divisions are encouraged to nominate
at least one representative for each committee.

Stanford
English Language Proficiency Tests

As outlined in
Superintendents Memorandum, Administrative, Number 4, January 30, 2004, the
state-approved English language proficiency assessment for the 2003-2004 school
year, as required in Section 1111 (b) (7) of the No Child Left Behind Act
(NCLB) of 2001, will be the SELP test. Beginning with the 2003-2004 school
year, limited English proficiency (LEP) students at the lower levels of English
language proficiency (Level 1 and Level 2 as determined by Virginias English
Language Proficiency Standards of Learning) in grades 3, 5, and 8 will have the
option to use the reading component of the SELP test as a proxy for the
English: Reading Standards of Learning assessment. LEP students scores on the
reading component of the SELP test will be used to calculate adequate yearly
progress (AYP) for schools, school divisions, and the state.

Standard of
Learning Plain English Mathematics Tests

Beginning with the
spring 2004 SOL testing administration, a plain English version of the grades
3,5,and 8 mathematics test will be available for LEP students classified at
Level 1 or Level 2 of English language proficiency. These tests cover the same
content as the regular grades 3, 5, and 8 mathematics tests but have been
modified to address issues related to non-native English speakers who may have
been in this country only a short time and encounter language barriers. Students
with disabilities may also qualify for this test based on their Individualized
Education Plans (IEPs) or 504 plans.

The
recommendations of the standard setting committees will be provided to the
Board of Education that will make a final decision for cut scores that are
equivalent to pass proficient and pass advanced. The SELP reading
test and the SOL grades 3, 5, and 8 plain English mathematics tests for future
administrations will be statistically equated to the tests on which the cut
scores were set so the same level of proficiency will be required for students
to be considered proficient and advanced.

instructional experience for students with
disabilities and students with limited English proficiency based on varied
learning styles, abilities, and aptitudes; and

balanced regional representation.

Members selected for the committees will be expected
to:

participate
in one committee meeting as scheduled;

sign
a Non-Disclosure/Conflict of Interest Agreement;

examine a test
form and make recommendations regarding the two cut scores that students must
attain for pass/proficient-level and pass/advanced-level.

Committee members will be provided the following:

reimbursement
for meals and travel expenses in accordance with state travel policy and
procedures;

lodging;
and

certificate
for recertification points (pending local approval).

Individuals may initiate the application process for
these standard setting committees or may be nominated.In either case, all nominees must complete
an application. Nominees who have submitted an application to serve on the
Standards of Learning Assessment Content Review committees during the summer of
2004 will need to complete certain pages of this application.All applicants must provide two professional
references and obtain written approval from their division superintendent.

You are invited to identify in your division one
distinguished educator for each of the five standards setting committees.Applications must be submitted by March 19,
2004.

If you have questions, please contact LB Hall,
associate director, Division of Assessment and Reporting at darfax@mail.vak12ed.edu or by phone
at (804) 786-9422.